Do you prefer RWD, AWD, or FWD? - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Simpler=Better · #46 04-22-2013, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark DiSilvestro

If I could find a fairly late-model 'simple' sedan, I might go for a rear-driver. Too bad they don't build cars like that anymore.

Servicing issues are a toss-up. I've seen operations in both FWD and RWD that were a real pain. I stick with inline designs, as many of the V-engines in either can be an SOB to service.

Plus everything RWD now, like my W123s, uses Cv-axles. Though longer-lived because they aren't steering, those eventually develop the same joint issues as FWD.
Since axle rebooting in my two diesels is virtually impossible, replacement is the only option, and the job is much more complicted than in my Camry.

Happy Motoring, Mark

A crown vic with a 4.6L v8 or any number of swaps (turbo 2.3, 617, etc.) fits the bill.

Air&Road · #47 04-22-2013, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zulfiqar

^^ Not if that sedan is well balanced.

........ And the driver well experienced. Tom is a racer and I fully expect that he has the reflexes to gather up a car when it's out of shape without even consciously thinking about it.

Air&Road · #48 04-22-2013, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark DiSilvestro

If I could find a fairly late-model 'simple' sedan, I might go for a rear-driver. Too bad they don't build cars like that anymore.

Servicing issues are a toss-up. I've seen operations in both FWD and RWD that were a real pain. I stick with inline designs, as many of the V-engines in either can be an SOB to service.

Plus everything RWD now, like my W123s, uses Cv-axles. Though longer-lived because they aren't steering, those eventually develop the same joint issues as FWD.
Since axle rebooting in my two diesels is virtually impossible, replacement is the only option, and the job is much more complicted than in my Camry.

Happy Motoring, Mark

No RWD's? BMW, MB, Dodge Charger, Dodge 300,... If you have no trouble with two doors you can add Mustang, Camaro, Challenger.

Subaru makes a kick butt AWD WRX, and maybe an RWD version.

A few years back, there went as many RWD choices.

Mark DiSilvestro · #49 04-22-2013, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simpler=Better

A crown vic with a 4.6L v8 or any number of swaps (turbo 2.3, 617, etc.) fits the bill.

I heard they've stopped making them too.
And a friend who works for Arlington County vehicle maintenance told me their automatic-overdrive trannies are troublesome.

Already have a manual-shift 617 in my '84 TD.
Since I've replaced the axles, I think I'll keep that for awhile as one of my RWD choices.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Mark DiSilvestro · #50 04-22-2013, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road

No RWD's? BMW, MB, Dodge Charger, Dodge 300,... If you have no trouble with two doors you can add Mustang, Camaro, Challenger.

Subaru makes a kick butt AWD WRX, and maybe an RWD version.

A few years back, there went as many RWD choices.

But they're not the 'simple' cars described by 'Simpler=Better'

Skippy · #51 04-22-2013, 07:11 PM

I think the base Mustangs are still pretty basic.

tbomachines · #52 04-22-2013, 07:14 PM

Basic is a subjective term. I consider my mk6 GTI basic, obd2, simple sensors and can bus system. compare it to an s class.

P.C. · #53 04-22-2013, 07:24 PM

Find an old Ford Fairmont with a 302 V8 and you'll be set.

iwrock · #54 04-22-2013, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark DiSilvestro

But they're not the 'simple' cars described by 'Simpler=Better'

By that philosophy, you are left with a Pontiac G8 GT.

Simply put - Sedan+RWD+6MT+LS V8.

Not too many frills - the late model W126s had more frills! (No, seriously, they do...)

The Swede · #55 04-22-2013, 08:02 PM

Following that line of thinking, Model T fits the bill.

Mark DiSilvestro · #56 04-22-2013, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.C.

Find an old Ford Fairmont with a 302 V8 and you'll be set.

Or with the straight-six. Pre-computer. Now that's my idea of simple!

I liked those old Fairmonts. They were cheap cars. But compared with those overweight mid '70s Granadas and Torinos, they were pretty agile. With a chassis & suspension, advanced enough to form the base for the, then new, Mustang.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Skippy · #57 04-22-2013, 08:21 PM

I find it interesting that less than 6% of poll respondents prefer FWD, but they make up at least half of what I see going down the road.

iwrock · #58 04-22-2013, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippy

I find it interesting that less than 6% of poll respondents prefer FWD, but they make up at least half of what I see going down the road.

Yeah, but I feel it is safe to say the average poster here on PP isn't in "that half"...

Hell, I tried to get a 240D to slide!

Air&Road · #59 04-22-2013, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark DiSilvestro

Or with the straight-six. Pre-computer. Now that's my idea of simple!

Actually the straight sixes in those cars can be souped up to make really good, durable power. Not only that, but the Fairmont is a Fox body which means that most chassis and drivetrain parts that fit a Fox body Mustang will fit the Fairmont. This opens up huge modification possibilities.